​Remembering Ko Tsushima

Ko Tsushima was one of the original members of the San Diego Bonsai Club. His death at 101 reminds us that he was the last remaining Japanese of the first bonsai organization in San Diego.

For many years, Ko and Mas Takanashi traditionally filled two long rows at our shows with bonsai presented on beautiful Japanese dais and accompanied with accents that were either living plants or unusual artifacts. Ko was always concerned that there was Japanese recorded background music at the shows and that appropriate banners were displayed.

Very early on, Ko had donated one of his favorite bonsai -- a variegated ivy to the first Bonsai Pavilion at the Wild Animal Park. It was moved to the new Bonsai Pavilion after the opening in 2011 and continues to be there on display.

He was always gentlemanly attired (suit and tie) and at the shows, he proudly wore his SDBC happi coat. His lack of English did not prevent him from communicating a warm friendliness among all the members. He understood bonsai, friendship, sharing, and camaraderie!